El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail

Things To Do Near El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail

Whenever you're traveling along El Camino Real de los Tejas, there are a number of sites that you can stop at to learn more about the historical events surrounding the region. Some activities to indulge in include hiking, checking out museum exhibits, going on a scenic drive in the many state parks along the trail, and visiting missions to get a deeper understanding of the trail's history. The trail passes through such Texas cities as Austin, San Antonio, and New Braunfels.

Hiking Trails

• Floresville Hike and Bike Trail

  Take a short walk at the Floresville Hike and Bike Trail that runs from Hospital Boulevard to the Riverbend Golf Course and hike in history's footsteps. You'll get a glimpse of the 18th-century Spanish settlement era and the railroad growth in the 19th century. The trail is flat and has grass and gravel, making it simple to walk, run, or bike on it.

  Location

  Trail St, Floresville, TX 78114

  Length

  2.5 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Lobanillo Swales

  The area consists of one of the largest parts of El Camino Real de los Tejas that you'll find. It consists of seven swales that measure up to 12 feet wide and 18 feet deep. Take a walk on the land where Native Americans and settlers walked centuries ago in Sabine County's pine forest and learn about its significance in the founding of Texas.

  Location

  San Augustine, TX 75972

  Length

  0.2 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

Sightseeing

• Gator Country LA Alligator Park

  Take a detour to Gator Country LA Alligator Park on your RV road trip along the El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail and explore the scenic environment. You'll see various wildlife and even purchase food to feed the animals, including alligators, snakes, turtles, and lizards. It's also possible to hold some of the animals and take a photo with them.

  Location

  380 Old Bayou Pierre Rd, Natchitoches, LA 71457

• Fort St. Jean Baptiste Historic Site

  The Fort St. Jean Baptiste Historic Site can be a welcome addition to your trip if you're a history buff. It's a replica of the French Fort, a settlement that later became the present town Natchitoches. The location was once a trading and military center to deter any Spanish encroachment into French territory. The buildings and the log walls on the site allude to what the city looked like centuries ago. The exhibits and films on-site can also shed light on the fort's history.

  Location

  155 Jefferson St, Natchitoches, LA 71457

Museums

• Villa Antigua Border Heritage Museum

  When you step into the two-story red brick building with the yellow rooftop, you'll be in the home that once housed two of the early Laredo merchant families. Its unique Italian style shows how grand residences looked like in the past. Villa Antigua Border Heritage Museum displays the town's culture and history via educational seminars and exhibits.

  Location

  810 Zaragoza St, Laredo, TX 78040

• Republic of the Rio Grande Museum

  Sitting on one of the oldest structures in Laredo, the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum came into existence in 1830 and had an addition in 1860. The historic house once housed a descendant of the town's founder, a renowned rancher and one of Laredo's mayors. It was once the capital building of the short-lived Republic of the Rio Grande, and today, it displays books, furniture, and pictures from the 19th-century. When you visit the site, you'll have a feel of an authentic Laredo home from the olden days.

  Location

  1005 Zaragoza St, Laredo, TX 78040

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Maglieaux's Riverfront Restaurant

  The family-owned eatery and bar will serve your meal in an outdoor setting. Enjoy Creole and Italian recipes by dining at Maglieaux's Riverfront Restaurant, where the menu has a delightful and eclectic variety.

  Location

  805 Washington St, Natchitoches, LA 71457

• Crawfish Hole

  Pass by Crawfish Hole to sample its seafood deliciousness. You can enjoy foods such as crawfish, shrimp, fish, and oysters.

  Location

  119 South Dr, Natchitoches, LA 71457

• Bella Ann's

  Bella Ann's will have clothing that will make you look dapper before you embark on your trip across El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail. You can also purchase shoes, accessories, and gifts.

  Location

  780 Front St, Ste 102, Natchitoches, LA 71457

• Cypress Knee Outdoors

  Cypress Knee Outdoors can get you all the supplies you'll need if you're going to hunt or fish at some point. From baits to rods, the store will take care of all your sporting needs.

  Location

  11028 LA-1, Natchitoches, LA 71457

How To Get To El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail

An RV trip for the El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail that begins in Louisiana is likely to start just south of 155 Jefferson Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457, the location of Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site. It's easy to locate the trail's location via markers and road signs present on site. 

Drive south on Front Street towards Trudeau Street if you're coming from the north of Natchitoches. Continue driving towards Jefferson Street, and once there, maintain the course for about 0.5 miles before making a left turn. Your destination should be a few feet on your left.

Address

1100 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87505

Fee: Entry fee $0

The national historic trail, El Camino Real de los Tejas, is a vital economic, cultural, and political link between Mexico City, Los Adaes (Louisiana), and cities in between. With multiple groups that traveled the route, you'll find a variety of traditions, music, languages, and arts created by the people who lived and traveled the trail. An RV trip across this historic path will be worthwhile as you can easily move across the trail and not run short of interesting discoveries.